Cucalorus Film Foundation Receives Grant from North Carolina Humanities

Wilmington, NC- Cucalorus Film Foundation is excited to announce that they have received a project grant from North Carolina Humanities. This $5000 grant will help support the Community Conversations program, which fosters meaningful discussions by pairing documentary screenings with expert-led dialogue. By connecting engaging artists, humanities experts, and community members, the program sparks conversations on contemporary cultural issues that encourage empathy, understanding and new perspectives. “We are grateful to be among the organizations North Carolina Humanities selected to receive grant funding for this year. The Cucalorus Conversations series is the secret ingredient that elevates our events from just watching movies to being vital community engagement opportunities and a chance to learn, grow and connect,” said Executive Director Dan Brawley. North Carolina Humanities funding will support extended discussions taking place after key screenings at the 31st annual Cucalorus Film Festival where humanities experts join indie filmmakers for in-depth conversations about the issues that impact our daily lives. Four films will explore topics like racial history, Indigenous culture, healthcare access, and community-building, with at least two focusing on historical events. These forums foster dialogue, connect people with resources, and deepen cultural understanding by linking artists, experts, and community members. This is the first time Cucalorus has received a grant from North Carolina Humanities, one of the oldest and largest cultural funders in North Carolina. Filmmakers can submit projects for consideration for the 31st annual festival on the FilmFreeway platform and residents of New Hanover County and the City of Wilmington can request an entry fee waiver. The regular deadline is May 27 and the extended deadline is June 30. The Communication Conversations program is made possible by a grant from North Carolina Humanities, a statewide nonprofit and the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. For more information about Cucalorus Film Foundation, please visit cucalorus.org. Cucalorus is a multi-disciplinary organization supporting emerging and innovative artists through an annual film festival, two regional festivals, a residency program, a community cinema, and youth education programs. Cucalorus brings people together to celebrate, discover, and create. The annual festival provides a non-competitive environment to support independent filmmakers, performance artists, and community organizers who use storytelling to transform our world.About North Carolina Humanities: Through public humanities programs and grantmaking, North Carolina Humanities connects North Carolinians with cultural experiences that spur dialogue, deepen human connections, and inspire community. North Carolina Humanities is a statewide nonprofit and the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. To learn more visit www.nchumanities.org. Any views, findings, conclusions, opinions, or recommendations expressed do not necessarily represent those of North Carolina Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

###